Nesquehoning is applying for $163,841 in Local Share Account funds to help police purchase a new vehicle and equipment that is needed.

The project “focuses on enhancing crime prevention” within the borough, the project outline states.

In 2018, the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System found that crime in Nesquehoning accounted for 18.3% of the monthly average crime rates in Carbon County, an increase of nearly 113% from 2017.

Because of this the borough hopes to secure the funds to replace an aging police cruiser with a 2020 Ford Interceptor; a Rhino Tablet, license plate reader and six body cameras for use on patrols; six new computers and a server based network to replace the current office equipment in the department; a pole camera system and 50 residential “Ring” doorbell cameras, which would provide better surveillance to the community for drug enforcement, school monitoring and entrance and exit points in the borough.

According to the overview, police Chief Sean Smith is hoping to begin a Cyber Crime Watch through a partnership with residents who would receive the doorbell systems.

“The borough currently does not have the resources for community policing, which can affect the quality of life for citizens living in high-crime areas,” Smith outlined in the overview. “If awarded, the ‘Ring’ systems will be deployed to residents of these areas with the understanding that any witnessed criminal activity is shared with the police department.

“Coupled with the pole cameras, the Cyber Crime Watch program will not only allow for more effective policing - it can also enhance the police-community relationship.”

Nesquehoning police currently patrol 21.6 square miles within the borough, as well as the correctional facility and portions of Route 209, and state Routes 93 and 54.

“Better equipping officers of the Nesquehoning Police Department will not only better serve borough residents - it will instill in the community a further sense of security and trust in their local police force,” the overview states.

If successful in securing the funds, the borough anticipates a rollout of these projects during the summer of 2021.

In a related police financial matter, Smith said that his department recently received a $2,500 donation from the Nesquehoning VFW Post 8008. The money will be used to help offset costs for new computer equipment and a crime scene processing kit.